San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1887-12-24
val erie:
HALF A TR j TIL .
BY 1.-THE DUCHESS. "

1 haven't asked her yet; but shall do so,
and speedily. Her aunt breaches patience;
but mine is tired out. She has had tether
enough to fiirt with all the world, and
bring men to her feet only TO spurn theml'
Take care" said Lady ElDor, warning
ly; ''she may deal the same with you, think
ing to beckon you back at her will"
''She is too wise for thatr' said Lawford,
with the consciousness of possessing over
whelming advantages, "and she would
hardly dream of flying directly in Mrs.
Langley's face, with the alternative Of be-
ing sent back to the country
moi" he added, quickly, for he knew
how Colonel Beauregard would look upon
anything like coercion in such a case, and
dreaded some sarcasm; mot that would
accept, on any terms, an unwilling bride;
but then know she is not unwilling-she
is simply trying to stretch her power to its
utmost limits; and no man will be played
with too longp'
is she not going with your party to
Henley" asked Lady Elinor, after pause,
gliding off, automatically, from the main
question.
"She has given no definite answer yet,
though know she has over a dozen invi
tations"
Dear dearl she plays the coquette to
the top Of her bent. But l don't think
there's much to fear; in fact, you know"
said Lady ElinOr, decidedly, "she could
hardly draw back now-it is too late; every
one talks Of the affair as settled. Her aunt
says right and left that it is. She can't for
a moment mean to throw you over finally;
even If, out Of sheer coquetry, she does so
at first. But then, certainly, Mrs. Langley
would interfere"
81 shall make her understand" said As
ton Lawford, with heavy frown, that
don't intend to be thrown off, and beckon:
ed back at will"
This Was more than Max Beauregard
could stand. He rose and walked across
the room, and sat down, taking up a book.
MAX thinks he is de trOp," said Lady
Elinor, in low voice, and with a smile.
But pray don't let me drive him away,
Lady Elinor!'
"Oh, never mind! The tea will be up
directly. But, If may be permitted to Of
fer advice, Mr.. Lawford, deal gently with
Valerie; she has a very strong will, and has
been so petted and spoiled, that really
don't think she realizes there is point be-
yond which even beauty may not go!''
81 am too fond of her," said he, ito be
otherwise than gentle; but am no boy to
be girls sport-to be encouraged one
minute, and snubbed the nextw
why, mol you are quite right there.
Shall you see her before Henley"
Il shall write to her, Lady Elinor."
"Ah! the best way, perhaps, under the
circumstances Here comes the tear' said
Lady Elinor, relieved in more ways than
one. Max, come herep'
Colonel Beauregard dropped his book
and came forward, and conversation then
turned from Valerie.
By-and-by Lawford took his leave.
II hope soon, )" he said, as he shook hands
with Lady Elinor, ito have to ask you for
your congratulationsp'
II hope So" said she. Remember me
to your sister"
The door closed on Valerie's suitor, and
Lady Elinor subsidized into her chair
Poor, dear manP she said. But really,
Valerie treats him badly"
Hes an insufferable cadr' said Colonel
Beauregard, shortly. Forgive me, Nelliep'
Certainly 1t came out with all your
heart, Max. You never liked Lawford, l
know, but he is not cad"
"BahI A man may have better blood
than he has, and be cad to the core of his
soul. Heaven help the woman who mar
ries him for his millions! She will be
mated to clown indeedr'
"Ah, Max" said Lady Elinor, with a
genuine ring of pathos in her voice, there
are not many men like you. You have a
standard too high for ordinary people to
come up to- Most of us are made of poor
clay after all, and worship the golden calf "
"A beggarly worship, Nellie; but know
I am wrong-according to the great I'M
written canon. am content to be right
by the written one. Goodbye for the
present, dear. promised to meet Dallas
and some other fellows at the Rag this
evening"
He kissed her gently and went out.